No More Make-Up Days for Weather with Plan for Benton Schools

Dr. Mike Skelton, Superintendent of Benton Public Schools, released a letter recently to parents announcing a new way to put an end make-up days due to inclement weather. The announcement says the District is one of the first in the state to get approval to implement the program, called “Alternate Methods of Instruction” (AMI).

Whether the student has Internet service or not in their home, the school will provide lessons for students to complete while school is out. The work will be due in a week. See more information in the letter below.

Dear Benton Families,

We are excited to share with you that the Benton School District is one of the first districts in Arkansas to be granted approval to offer “Alternate Methods of Instruction” (AMI) days during the 2017-2018 school year. This plan will allow the opportunity for all Benton students to be engaged in meaningful learning on inclement weather days when conditions prevent school from being in session. This will enable us to not have to make up the day at the end of the year.

What are alternate methods of instruction?

Alternate methods of instruction simply allows for the continuation of learning when students miss days of regular instruction. Students will have the opportunity for skill reinforcement, remediation, and enrichment through electronic or conventional paper lessons. The Arkansas Department of Education has granted Benton five (5) AMI days this school year, on which students will be expected to continue learning at home. Your child’s teachers will provide all materials, and students will be allowed five (5) school days and one weekend to complete the assigned lesson.

How will AMI days work?

BMS, BJH, and BHS students with Internet access will be able to complete work electronically from home using technology. Schools will make accommodations for students who do not have Internet access at home. Elementary students will complete packets of work designed by their teacher to extend learning at home. Each school’s AMI plan will be tailored to their particular students; in the coming days, you will receive information from your child’s school with more specific, detailed information.

We are excited to have been selected as one of the first districts to offer AMI days. As a model for the state, we anticipate that we will learn lessons along the way and make necessary adjustments to improve our AMI plan to best meet the needs of our students. We welcome your feedback and invite you to share information with us about how it is working for your family. If you have further questions, please talk with your child’s principal. Thank you for joining us on this journey as we strive to provide your child with learning opportunities.